- Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it ensure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with the Commission which indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward accreditation. CGCC, until separate accreditation, if granted, delivers college credit instruction, certificates and degrees through its contract with Portland Community College (PCC) which is accredited through the NWCCU. Credits, certificates and degrees earned at CGCC appear on PCC transcripts and are transferable to four-year institutions, subject to the specific policies of those institutions. Columbia Gorge Community College contracts with Portland Community College for many instructional, financial aid, and student records services.
School Highlights
Columbia Gorge Community College serves 812 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 45%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 812 students
- In-state tuition: $3,636
- Out-state tuition: $3,636
- Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 67%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Columbia Gorge Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Oregon for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 60% over five years.
Columbia Gorge Community College
(OR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
39 staff
20 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia Gorge Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Columbia Gorge Community College diversity score of 0.67 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
812 students
267 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
260 students
212 students
# Part-Time Students
552 students
1,164 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
812 students
327 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
260 students
212 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
552 students
1,164 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
4%
% Hispanic
22%
19%
% White
33%
55%
% Two or more races
1%
6%
% Unknown races
41%
10%
Diversity Score
0.67
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
49%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,100
$35,200
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,636 is less than the state average of $4,098. The in-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $3,636 is less than the state average of $6,824. The out-state tuition has declined by 61% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,636
$4,098
Out-State Tuition Fees
$3,636
$6,824
Tuition Notes
Tuition and fees can be explored here.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
83%
Median Debt for Graduates
$16,834
$12,875
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,000
$6,359
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Chinook Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia Gorge Community College cost?
Columbia Gorge Community College's tuition is approximately $3,636 for In-State students and $3,636 for Out-State students.
What is Columbia Gorge Community College's ranking?
Columbia Gorge Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Oregon for: Least expensive tuition and Average community college minority breakdown.
Recent Articles
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.

